George Lucas' Controversial Decision: Why Training Anakin Was Qui-Gon's Fatal Mistake

George Lucas disagreed with Qui-Gon's decision to train Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. While many viewers perceive Qui-Gon Jinn as the ideal Jedi, embodying the principles of the Order, Lucas believed that he had his own flaws. In a 1999 interview with Cut Magazine (via David Talks SW), Lucas expressed his view that Qui-Gon shared the same impulsive and reckless qualities as Anakin. He also surprisingly suggested that Qui-Gon erred in insisting that the Jedi should train Anakin.

Qui-Gon's decision to train Anakin in Episode I may have been considered dangerous and wrong initially, but it is possible that his choice was ultimately correct. The term "phantom menace" refers to the dark side of the universe, which possesses the ability to take control of Anakin and disrupt the balance of the Galaxy. However, it is significant to note that Anakin himself, known as Darth Vader, is the one who ultimately kills the Emperor. This realization adds a layer of irony to Lucas' belief that Qui-Gon's decision was clearly detrimental, as it is widely acknowledged that Qui-Gon was the Jedi who could have potentially saved Anakin, being the only one who truly comprehended the prophecy of the Chosen One.

George Lucas' Perspective Is Right, and Qui-Gon Was Wrong

The Jedi Council's initial rejection of Anakin is commonly viewed as a mistake. However, Lucas presents a different perspective by suggesting that Anakin's training itself was the error that ultimately led to the downfall of the Jedi order. It is intriguing to consider how the Star Wars saga would have unfolded if Anakin had not become a Jedi. The most likely outcome would have been him being hailed as a hero by the people of Naboo, and undoubtedly, he would have formed a relationship with Padmé regardless. This alternate Anakin would not have been held back by Padmé when he had nightmares about his mother's death, thus preventing the intense fear of loss that eventually consumed him in "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." Surprisingly, this might have been the happiest path for Anakin, which he was denied due to Qui-Gon Jinn's decision.

It is significant that the will of the Force led to Anakin being raised on Tatooine, a world beyond the reach of the Republic and the Jedi's influence. Despite Qui-Gon's impulsive insistence that the Chosen One should be trained by the Jedi, there is no evidence that the prophecy of the Chosen One mandated such action. Notably, Lucas' perspective on the Star Wars saga is incredibly compelling, despite contradicting the general consensus. Ultimately, everything resolved, but only after immense galactic turmoil.

Source: Cut Magazine (via David Talks SW)